While Sophie Raworth is undoubtedly a brilliant journalist and presenter, she also knows a thing or two about presenting a memorable look at events she goes to. Whether it is her pulling off a selection of the best summer dresses during warmer months or her more formal appearances which often inspire us while shopping for the best cocktail dresses for over 50s, her style is admirable.
With a penchant for dressing to the nines, she has also claimed a spot in The Telegraph’s list of best dressed newsreaders of all time. While her wardrobe staples include British high street brands like LK Bennett, Whistles and M&S, we wanted to find more alternatives that help recreate her style for every price range.
Her most recent look which caught the attention of fashion experts and the media alike was an effortless summer look put together with an orange paisley print maxi dress from ME+EM, a British brand that we all know is a staple in Kate Middleton’s wardrobe too. The dress comes with ruched, puffed sleeves that create a sleek bodice, accentuated with a knot detail at the front, which flows into tiered, flowy, A-line skirt that is perfect for warmer days. The cinched waist and tapered cut of the top combined with the flared skirt gives you a flattering hourglass silhouette.
The best part about this piece is that unlike even the best cotton dresses for the summer, the material is naturally textured cheesecloth that never needs to be ironed and will look neat and pristine all day. While the exact Cheesecloth Mono Paisley Print Maxi Dress from ME+EM is priced at £195, we have scoured the internet to find the best alternatives if you wish to recreate this Sophie Raworth look for less.
Sophie Raworth dress from the Chelsea Flower Show 2025
Phase Eightwww.phase-eight.com
This Phase Eight Louisa Abstract Maxi Dress comes in a similar cut and colour as Sophie’s ME+EM dress, but for less than half the price. The print is as vibrant and cheerful, with an abstract orange-red print on this maxi dress that comes with long blouson sleeves, button down detailing and a belt to accentuate your waist to give a flattering shape. It can be styled for special occasions with heels and accessories as well as for casual outings with trainers or sandals.
Pros
- Vibrant print and colour
- Comes with a belt to accentuate your waist
Cons
- Needs delicate machine wash
Bodenwww.boden.com
This Boden Violet Cotton Midi Dress is currently flying off the shelves due to popular demand and it is a very close match to Sophie’s dress in colour, cut and aesthetics. The material is 100% cool cotton, making it perfect for the summer and the striking print is sure to make a statement at any event. The fitted and lined bodice makes it a comfortable wear, and the flared skirt gives you a flattering hourglass silhouette. The dress also comes with side seam pockets, and it is machine washable too.
Pros
- Striking print
- Fitted and lined bodice
- Flared skirt gives you a flattering hourglass silhouette
- Has side seam pockets
- It is machine washable
Cons
- Some reviewers have mentioned that you will have to look at the height based categories before picking a size as they felt it would suit taller women
Mint Velvetmintvelvet.com
This Mint Velvet Orange Floral Print Maxi Dress is perfect if you are looking for a dress that is similar to Sophie’s one, but in a more subtle colour. If you are not a fan of outlandish colours, but still want to feel summery with floral prints and cools fabrics, this dress which comes with a sweetheart neckline, long balloon sleeves with gathered cuffs and a cinched waist offers a flattering shape that also keeps you comfortable and cool during the warmer months. Paired with your favourite pair of trainers or sandals, this dress is sure to turn heads at garden parties, fancy dining events or sunny vacations you might have planned.
Pros
- Inspired from Sophie's look, but in a more subtle colour
- Cinched waist offers a flattering shape
- Keeps you comfortable and cool
Cons
- Slightly higher price range
Stylish jumpsuits
The most recent example is the striking coral jumpsuit she donned for Vanity Fair and The Newt in Somerset's celebration of The RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Comment sections were flooding with questions about the details of her outfit and praising how well she was carrying it.
With a trim and relaxed silhouette, the jumpsuit with a zip-up front and short fringed sleeves to match the fringed pattern on the collar, was a stunning colour for the summer. She paired the jumpsuit from ME+EM with white trainers and a simple gold chain with a coin pendant. While most of Sophie Raworth's outfits are super stylish, this one certainly stood out for its bold colour and flattering fit.
With a similar colour and cut as the one worn by Sophie Raworth, this Mango Nantes Belt Jumpsuit from John Lewis can be the perfect purchase for summer events. Its an airy fit that is cinched at the waist with a belt will keep you cool while also giving you a slender look. The high-waisted belt coupled with the straight cut of the bottoms will also make you look taller and slimmer.
Pros
- The light and airy viscose blend material will keep you cool
- It is machine washable
Cons
- There are no reviews of the jumpsuit yet
www.phase-eight.com
If you are looking for a linen or cotton alternative for Sophie Raworth's outfit, then this Fern Linen Jumpsuit is a good choice as the material is made of 55% Linen and 45% Cotton making it quite breezy and gentle on the skin as a summer wear. It also comes with a belt to fasten it at the waist, so you don’t have to worry about the jumpsuit not fitting right. If you're conscious about your upper arm area, simply pair this with a cropped, lightweight cardigan or loose linen shirt.
Pros
- The material is made of 55% Linen and 45% Cotton making it quite breezy and gentle for the summer
- The belt helps to adjust the fit as you require
Cons
- Some reviews mention that it was quite big on them, so it might be worth ordering a size down
www.very.co.uk
With a wrap style and a stylish V-neck this Red Wrap Culotte Jumpsuit is sure to make a statement as a summer outfit. The jumpsuit also comes with sleeves to keep you comfortable and a tie-belt feature to adjust the fit as needed.
Pros
- Can adjust the fit with the tie-belt feature
Cons
- Hand-wash only
Fabulous florals
Sophie Raworth wore a blue and white floral dress to attend the 2023 Chelsea Flower Show at Royal Hospital Chelsea last year. Below is our pick of the best brands to find your own flattering floral dresses this summer.
www.marksandspencer.com
This Pure Cotton Floral Cutwork Detail Midi Tea Dress is the perfect accompaniment for a nice sunny day out. With a structured cut that is fitted at the waist coupled with puffed sleeves, the dress looks elegant and casual at the same time. The pure cotton material is also quite breathable and cool in the summer.
Pros
- The pure cotton material is breathable and cool in the summer
Cons
- Some reviews mention that the dress is a bit heavy for summer
www.johnlewis.com
If you are on the lookout for a floral dress that is suitable for daytime and cocktail events alike, this Urban Touch Floral Print Dipped Hem Midi Dress is the perfect choice. The dipped hem at the back adds a regal touch to the dress making it look classy in the night and playful during the day. The dress also comes with long sleeves and a tie at the waist so you can adjust the fit as needed.
Pros
- The fit can be adjusted as needed with the tie feature at the waist
- Comes with long sleeves
Cons
- The polyester material can be a bit hot for some
www.debenhams.com
If shirt dresses and collars are your thing, look no further. This Floral Midaxi Shirt Dress will have you receiving compliments all day with the cinched waist that can be adjusted as per your requirement. The flowy material below the waist is flattering as it creates the illusion of length and a slender silhouette while flowing easily over the midriff area.
Pros
- The tie at the waist helps to adjust the fit as you require
- Comes with buttons and a long sleeve
Cons
- The dress does not have a review yet
Sparkle and shine
At the 2019 Costa Book Awards Sophie Raworth was spotted wearing this metallic floor length dress. Metal accents can elevate any dress or outfit and these are some brands to consider while putting together an outfit inspired by this classy look.
www.debenhams.com
This black and muted gold metallic dress from Debut London is sure to turn heads at any event. With the vertical striped design offering an illusion of length and height, this dress will be a flattering fit on all shapes and sizes. The cinched waist adds to the appeal and when paired with a nice pair of heels or classy ballet shoes, this dress can be the perfect choice for an evening or night event.
Pros
- Comes with long sleeves
Cons
- The waist belt cannot be adjusted
www.wallis.co.uk
This twist wrap dress from Wallis comes with mid-length sleeves for comfort and a cinched waist for a flattering fit. The shimmery finish is perfect events like birthdays, weddings or anniversaries. Since the colour is a neutral one, you can also pair lots of accessories you already own with it.
Pros
- Can pair with several styles and colours of accessories since it is a neutral colour
Cons
- One reviewer shared that the first layer of cloth under the dress is very thin and that it rolls up easily
www.debenhams.com
This Charlotte Pleat Dress which comes with a twist wrap design can be worn for a day event as well as night occasions as the gold is quite muted. The cut is flattering with the cloth gathering at the waistline and flowing down over the midriff. It also comes with mid-length sleeves which offers comfort.
Pros
- Can be styled for day events and occasions at night as well
Cons
- There are no reviews yet for this dress
Colour blocking
For the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019, Sophie Raworth's outfit was this green dress and drawing inspiration from this look, there are several brands from where you can take your pick of dresses in solid colours for this summer.
www.debenhams.com
If the bright green colour appealed to you, this midi dress from Warehouse can be the perfect pick for this summer. The voluminous A-line skirt offers a very flattering cut that highlights the bodice and flows down over the midriff. Paired with a nice hat and sandals, you will be all set for a day out in the sun.
Pros
- The voluminous A-line skirt will keep you cool during the summer
Cons
- It comes with a zip, so the waist line cannot be adjusted
www.debenhams.com
If a belted dress in a solid colour is what you are after, then this Petite Belted Cotton Midi Dress will be the perfect choice for you. Since the colour is a light pastel pink, you can easily style a range of accessories along with this dress. The belt also gives the option of adjusting the fit as you require.
Pros
- Can adjust the fit with the belt feature
Cons
- There are no reviews yet for this product
www.marksandspencer.com
This Pure Linen Midaxi Waisted Dress is perfect to keep cool and wear a solid colour this summer. The breathable cotton fabric and the wide skirt will keep you cool and comfortable in the heat. The dress also comes with pockets for convenience and the look can be styled with sandals or trainers
Pros
- The dress comes with pockets
- Available in teal colour as well
Cons
- The dress might be too long on shorter people as shared by one reviewer who is 5’2”
Akhila Thomas is a digital writer at Yours.co.uk and her areas of interest are beauty, fashion, food, wellness and lifestyle. She has previously written for magazines like Leftlion, Women’s Health and t’Art and worked extensively with art, culture, fashion and social media trends. She also likes to travel and explore new cultures and cuisines.